The Ramsar Photo Gallery

Wetlands of International Importance: Turkey, Lake Uluabat

All photos are by Cem Sarpel of Bursa,Turkey [csarpel(at)gmail.com], taken in January 2008

Lake Uluabat. 15/04/98; Bursa; 19,900 ha; 40º10’N 028º35’E. A large nutrient-rich lake that includes four islands. Vast reedbeds with clusters of trees occur. Over 400,000 waterbirds, including the globally-threatened Pelecanus crispus winter at the site, and internationally important numbers of several species of waterbirds occur regularly. Uluabat is one of Turkey's richest wetlands in terms of aquatic plants. Human activities include fishing and agriculture. The area is of archaeological importance dating from 1200 B.C. onwards. Small-scale fishing by five local cooperatives is carried out in the lake, and the surrounding area is one of the most productive agricultural and stock-breeding areas in Turkey. Eutrophication may pose a serious threat in future. Ramsar site no. 944. Most recent RIS information: 2008. (from the Annotated List)

For further information about the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, please contact the Ramsar Convention Bureau, Rue Mauverney 28, CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland (tel +41 22 999 0170, fax +41 22 999 0169, e-mail ). Posted 23 April 2008, Dwight Peck, Ramsar.